National Day of Silence (April 15, 2016)

04/2016

Many youth who are identified (by themselves or by others) as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) are routinely subjected to name-calling, bullying, and other forms of harassment. And even LGBTQ allies may be victimized. Underlying these behaviors can be discrimination and hate—which sometimes leads to violence. According to the 2013 National School Climate Survey —a study conducted by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) that surveyed 7,898 middle and high school students—85.4% responded they were verbally harassed and 39.9% reported they were physically harassed. Nearly six in ten of LGBT students reported that they felt unsafe in school because of their sexual orientation, and four in ten (38.7%) said they felt unsafe because of their gender expression. Half of students reported experiencing some form of electronic harassment ("cyberbullying") in the past year. The 2013 NSCS will provide useful information to advocates, educators, and policymakers that will enhance their efforts to create safe and affirming schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

The Day of Silence is a student effort to protest harassment, discrimination, and hate. Participating students, led by GLSEN, will hand out cards that read the following:

"Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence, a national youth movement protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies in schools. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward fighting these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today. What are you going to do to end the silence?"

Page Contents:

Featured NCTSN Products

Child Sexual Abuse Speaker SeriesOne of the online training presentations in NCTSN’s Learning Center for Child and Adolescent Trauma that features many experts in the field. Topics include: how to identify issues of risk, challenge, and strength specific to LGBTQ youth and young adults; how to develop strategies that balance personal beliefs with professional responsibilities; how to increase knowledge of and empathy for the unique stressors experienced by sexual- and gender-minority youth, their families, and caregivers; and how to better understand what is involved in coming out and the ways that can impact youth.

Culture and Trauma Teleconference Series: Trauma Among Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth (Audio file/PPT)A presentation whose objectives were to: 1) raise awareness about the degree of vulnerability to abuse and neglect that LGBTQ adolescents face; 2) discuss the stages of sexual identity development as they relate to LGBTQ youth; 3) identify barriers faced by LGBTQ adolescents in coming to terms with their sexuality; and 4) provide concrete interventions that can assist LGBTQ youth in safely exploring their sexuality.

Safe Spaces. Safe Places: Creating Welcoming and Inclusive Environments for Traumatized LGBTQ Youth (2015) (Video)The NCTSN Child Sexual Abuse committee is pleased to an-nounce the launch of a new video which highlights the effect of trauma on LGBTQ youth; how bias impedes optimal care, and practical steps for creating safe and welcoming environments for traumatized LGBTQ youth. The video features five LGBTQ youth describing how trauma and bias have affected their ability to feel safe when seeking services. National Child Traumatic Stress Net-work (NCTSN) presenters discuss specific steps that professionals and organizations can take to create safer and more welcoming environments for traumatized LGBTQ youth.

Transforming Trauma in LGBTQ YouthThis series offers concrete strategies and recommendations for providers working with LGBTQ youth who have experienced trauma, including how to increase access to services, create a safe environment for care, and work with families and schools.

COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere)A national movement of children, youth, and adults who have at least one “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ)” parent. Strives to “build community and work toward social justice through youth empowerment, leadership development, education, and advocacy.”

GLSEN (Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network)A national education organization whose mission is centered on creating safe schools for all students. Seeks to “develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes in creating a more vibrant and diverse community.” The website and additional resources focus on the acceptance of all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or occupation. Includes information on GLSEN’s research and policymaking, plus tools and tips.

Safe Space Kit“Provides a program for action that school staff can take to create a positive learning environment for every student; shows how to assess the school's climate, policies and practices; outlines ways to advocate for change inside the school.” Includes the Guide to Being an Ally to LGBT Students, which provides “concrete strategies for supporting LGBT students, including how to educate about anti-LGBT bias and teaching respect for all people.”

Bullying and Gay YouthExplains risks to the mental health and physical well-being of GBLT youth; includes ways their education is being affected; offers suggestions to help end bullying in schools; includes additional resources.

The Trevor Project A national organization that provides “crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.”

Online Trainings Online course to teach educators about how to intervene when they hear harassing/discriminatory language as it relates to sexuality/gender identity.

For Mental Health and Child Welfare Professionals

Advocates for YouthAdvocates for Youth champions efforts that help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health.

The Impact of Homophobia and Racism on GLBTQ Youth of Color (2007) (PDF) A fact sheet geared to those who work with youth. Includes information on homophobia; explains additional challenges faced by youth of color including HIV, pregnancy, sexual violence, racism, and homelessness; and stresses the importance of culturally competent education and health care programs and services.

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth Support Project and Outhealth!An organization whose mission is to “ensure safe and supportive communities for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning (GLBTQ) youth, adults, and their families.” Provides training, technical support, resources, tools, and materials. Geared to health/human service providers and educators who work with youth and adults.

Family Equality Council (GLAD)A “national organization that supports, represents and connects the 1 million parents in the United States who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and the 2 million children they are raising.”

Talking to Children About Our Families (PDF) (2007)“Intended to support parents in responding to their children's (spoken and unspoken) questions as they come to understand who they are in the context of their family and who their family is in the context of their community.” Questions and answers presented are divided into three stages of child development (aged 3 and under, 4–7, and 8+).

(GLSEN) Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education NetworkA national education organization whose mission is centered on creating safe schools for all students. Seeks to “develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes in creating a more vibrant and diverse community.” The website and additional resources focus on the acceptance of all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or occupation. Includes information on GLSEN’s research and policymaking, plus tools and tips.

Resources for GLBT Youth of Color Extensive listing of programs, support groups, services, hotlines, websites, books, and articles for parents/guardians, family members, educators, and allies of GLBT youth of color.

Related Links

National Gay and Lesbian Task ForceA national organization dedicated to building the grassroots power of the LGBT community by strengthening local LGBT activism in rural areas, small towns, and cities across the nation.